Maintaining positivity and building resilience amid the Covid-19 pandemic: Practical tips for parents
The Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we live, work and learn. For several months, each day has been veiled with a sense of uncertainty, fear and isolation. Maintaining positivity amid all these is a big challenge. More than ever, how fast we recover and positively adapt to this new normal of our life – the essence of resilience – is critically important. We need to support our children in developing capacities, such as resilience, for them to emerge stronger and better after this crisis.
https://singteach.nie.edu.sg/vsl-positivity-and-resilience
7 home activities to develop maths skills
To prepare children for Primary 1, some parents would send them to tuition and enrichment classes. But if the classes focus on completing worksheets and exercises, it takes the fun out of learning. Through fun home activities, such as these 7, parents can teach their pre-school children how to appreciate how maths is all around them.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/7-home-activities-to-develop-maths-skills
Reflections on emerging opportunities for rethinking teaching and learning
Parents need to facilitate directions for children – by working closely with the school – for an effective HBL to occur. Without the necessary support and guidance, children will go online and end up not knowing which way to turn to and what to focus on. As such, the role of parents during HBL is critical; they have to be the facilitator by providing a path, a direction, a push to do things that will ultimately help the child learn effectively at home.
https://singteach.nie.edu.sg/reflections-on-emerging-opportunities-for-rethinking-teaching-and-learning
黄龙翔：疫情教学是新常态吗？
Must home-based learning be faithful simulations of classroom lessons? Dr Wong Lung Hsiang, Senior Research Scientist of OER, begs to differ. His Op-Ed provides rational support to the online home-based learning approaches carried out by local teachers, and argues that the conducive features of online learning environments should be wisely utilised to empower students in taking charge of their learning, both individually and collaboratively.
https://www.nie.edu.sg/about-us/news-events/news/news-detail/黄龙翔-疫情教学是新常态吗
Use play to help your kids learn — without leaving home
As educators and parents of young children ourselves, this article would like to turn the conversation to play as a natural and necessary form of learning, especially given the amount of time parents will have at home with their children in times when children are learning at home. And the article hopes to remind each other of the value of play – as a respite during these most extraordinary circumstances.
https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/using-play-help-your-kids-learn-without-leaving-home-circuit-breaker-covid-19
OER education at home series
With blended learning coming to our education system soon, this is a series on parenting tips during home-based learning will be of good help. The series brought to you by the Office of Education Research, NIE NTU, Singapore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXYGiXb_UCA&list=PL9HaqFfbs1mTO5pqon1kZB4dlYiUYeZvg
Minister addresses top Covid-19 concerns
Singapore Education Minister answered top concerns that parents and teachers have concerning Covid-19 and the Singapore education system.
https://www.moe.gov.sg/addressing-top-covid-19-concerns
Acing e-learning together
When Circuit Breaker was implemented to curb the spread of Covid-19, our schools’ HBL programme became a vital platform for continual learning when schools were shuttered. Many parents have used this opportunity to gain insights about their children’s learning styles and study habits, engage them in identifying difficulties faced during learning of certain subjects or topics and get a glimpse of their school life and the relationships with their classmates. This has included asking their children how they want to be supported, and providing emotional support by building a sense of love, security and confidence in their children. Helping our children to develop critical abilities for self-directed learning will go a long way as new technologies emerge.
https://www.nie.edu.sg/niews/june2020/acing-e-learning-together.html
2020 ultimate guide to blended learning
Blended learning uses technology to combine in-class and out-of-class learning, maximising the educational impact for students as a result. As Rachael Hartley, Senior Client Account Director for Education at technology consultancy Cognizant, defines it as such: “While retaining the traditional student-teacher format, it breaks the ‘one-size-fits-all’ model by taking education beyond the physical classroom and allowing students to learn anytime, anywhere.” Find out how blended learning is making an impact inside and outside the classroom.
https://edtechnology.co.uk/latest-news/ultimate-guide-to-blended-learning
The teacher’s ultimate digital toolbox
Infocomm technology (ICT) is used pervasively in every way imaginable to support different approaches and pedagogies in education. It has fundamentally transformed the way we teach and learn, and will continue to enhance and even disrupt current practices. If you are not already aboard the ICT bandwagon, here are some tried and tested digital tools to help get you started.
https://www.nie.edu.sg/niews/june2020/the-teacher-ultimate-digital-toolbox.html
27 tips to set up your blended learning classroom
In its simplest definition, blended learning integrates digital content, like Legends of Learning educational games, with face-to-face learning. The more technical definition says blended learning integrates digital content with traditional teaching methods; typically requires the physical presence of the teacher and students in a classroom; and gives the student some control over their time, space, and learning path and pace. To create a blended learning classroom, use some or all of the following 27 tips. The tips can be categorised into three areas: planning, implementation, and improvement. As such, you should find a relevant suggestion for wherever you are in the blended learning journey.
https://www.legendsoflearning.com/blog/27-tips-blended-learning
Video conference tips
If you’re hesitant about joining your first video call or worried about looking your best for your first video meeting, this infographic provides 8 tips to make sure you look professional on your next video meeting. Don’t worry, they are easy!
https://sites.google.com/g.nie.edu.sg/nievideomeetingplatforms/video-conference-tips
Online teaching strategies
When used effectively, technologies can augment the learning experience for students. It will be beneficial as lecturers to learn how to select and use the appropriate online conferencing platforms to connect with students even beyond campus. Although this may involve some experimentation, the benefits of creating a fruitful online learning experience will be immense for learners.
https://sites.google.com/g.nie.edu.sg/nievideomeetingplatforms/online-teaching-strategies
How to create engaging online learning amid Covid-19 pandemic: Lessons from Singapore
Research has shown students learn better when they are actively engaged in the learning process, rather than just passively listening to a lecture. However, the coronavirus pandemic has forced what many thought it would never happen: online courses extensively replacing traditional programmes. Our NUS team offers a three-pronged approach that educators can use to maintain engaging online learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://theconversation.com/how-to-create-engaging-online-learning-amid-covid-19-pandemic-lessons-from-singapore-138979
Teaching and Learning Continuity
Teaching & Learning Continuity is a one-stop solution that provides for your teaching needs during this HBL period ranging from the creation of lessons to the assessment of learning outcomes in an online environment. We have curated relevant resources and created simple “hands-on” guide that you can download and implement right away to achieve effective teaching online. Most importantly, Teaching & Learning Continuity aims to help anyone who wishes to facilitate an enjoyable HBL experience for their students.
https://sites.google.com/g.nie.edu.sg/in-learning-resource-sites/home
Digital learning in the time of a pandemic
Digital learning is not the same as face-to-face learning. We should not pretend it is, or strive, in vain, to make both the same. Just as there are things that can be done better in face-to-face learning, it is also useful to recognise that there are things that can be done better in the digital learning realm.
https://singteach.nie.edu.sg/vsl-digital-learning
Covid-19: Practical tips for early years teaching and learning
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented some unique challenges for early years educators as they move to a remote learning approach. In today’s article, Dr Deborah Price, a Senior Lecturer in Inclusive Education and Wellbeing at the University of South Australia’s Education Futures academic unit and president of the Australian Curriculum Studies Association (ACSA), discusses some practical ways to overcome these obstacles and embrace the teaching and learning opportunities this new environment provides.
https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/covid-19-practical-tips-for-early-years-teaching-and-learning
Supporting the continuation of teaching and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic
For educators, the Covid-19 pandemic is a quintessential adaptive and transformative challenge, one for which there is no pre- configured playbook that can guide appropriate responses. This module is a collaborative effort between the Global Education Innovation Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the OECD’s Directorate of Education and Skills, the World Bank Education Global Practice and the organisation Hundred. It presents a first set of online educational resources to support the continuity of teaching and learning during the Covid-19 pandemic with education leaders around the world. The resources were compiled from responses to the same survey used to produce the first module, and additional online sources were included to enhance the list in order to support the continuity of learning for students who have access to the Internet and digital devices.
http://www.oecd.org/education/Supporting-the-continuation-of-teaching-and-learning-during-the-COVID-19-pandemic.pdf
Covid-19: Will blended learning become the future of education?
With a global health crisis going on, it is only natural to be focused on the present, but as the world begins to feel the beneficial effects of the emergency measures against Covid-19, it is time to look to the future. This is where blended learning comes in. A hybrid of in-person lessons and distance learning, blended learning is one of the many proposed models for the future of the technology-assisted classroom: let’s have a closer look at its definition and examine why Covid-19 may be the key factor that pushes this model forward in schools worldwide.
https://eu-acerforeducation.acer.com/education-trends/covid-19-will-blended-learning-become-the-future-of-education
Blended learning built on teacher expertise
For most educators, nothing is more challenging than effectively differentiating for all learners – it’s a cardinal principle of effective instruction that is extremely difficult to execute well. When we use traditional lectures with a fixed pacing guide, meeting the unique needs of all students can feel like an unconquerable task. Here is an inside look at a teacher-designed instructional model that combines blended learning, student self-pacing, and mastery-based grading.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/blended-learning-built-teacher-expertise
Learning package 3 – Home-based learning
In response to Covid-19, many schools across the globe have closed and transitioned to HBL, or distance learning, affecting over 90% of the world’s student population. The lessons learnt from the current Covid-19 crisis may chart new directions for the education landscape in Singapore and the rest of world. To find out more about HBL and online learning, check out the resources below.
https://mobileapp.nlb.gov.sg/spotlight/a-new-normal/home-based-learning
What I learnt during home-based learning
While our children picked up new tech skills and got used to HBL, what did the parents learn? Michelle Wee, mother of six children (three in primary and secondary school) reflects.
https://www.schoolbag.sg/story/what-i-learnt-during-home-based-learning
Home based learning: An educator's perspective
This is the third piece written as part of an ongoing series, Supporting Educators Through Covid-19, providing a glimpse in the challenges educators faced during this trying period. https://www.reactor.school/post/hbl-educator-perspective
Right to education: Free apps and resources to support distance learning in schools affected by the coronavirus outbreak
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak is spreading day by day and we are facing new challenges all the time. It worries all of us. We, a group of educational tool developers in Finland, wanted to reach out to help all those teachers and students in danger of being confined in their homes without access to daily education. Therefore, we are currently offering free resources to many of our tools that are best suited for distance learning. This way, we ensure our children keep on learning with tools that support teachers and students alike. Get acquainted with these educational tools and start planning new ways of teaching today!
https://koulu.me
8 best kid-friendly activities to do at home during circuit breaker
Covid-19 has grounded the family and the kids are starting to get bored at home. And while it’s easy to turn on Netflix and let them watch as many Disney movies as they want to while the days away, it’s also important to balance out screen time with productive activities that offer up healthy benefits. If you’re looking for activities that fun and aren’t too tedious to execute, then consider these activities.
https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/family/parenting/kid-friendly-activities-at-home-covid-19
Indoor activities for children during Covid-19 Lockdown in Singapore
Nowadays, with the global Covid-19 pandemic, staying healthy is vital to your kids. Physical fitness is something that can be best taught to children during this lockdown through games and other exciting activities. When kids are healthy, their bodies can keep disease and illness at bay. To promote fitness and mental wellness, parents can use appropriate indoor activities that children will enjoy. Indoor activities offer a range of unique and energetic exercises to make everyone feel happy and engaged at home. Here, boredom never finds its way, as there is a wide variety of activities available to suit varied tastes and preferences.
https://epochtimes.today/indoor-activities-for-children-during-covid-19-lockdown-in-singapore
Digital education in Szanda way
Find encouragement from a Szanda educator who created a video that tracks how they created an innovative solution to their problem.
https://biteable.com/watch/digital-education-in-szanda-way-2585270
Singapore Learning Designers Circle
This is a FB community of Singapore learning designers coming together to share, learn and design learning experiences with ICT for the 21st CC classroom. #SgLDC (Note: This is a closed group and interested parties must request to join.)
https://m.facebook.com/groups/sglearningdesigners/?ref=group_header&view=group
Staying home during Covid-19
With the Covid-19 situation continuing to develop in Singapore, our best defence against the spread of this disease is to continue practising social distancing. This means keeping the family at home as far as possible, preventing unknowingly transmitting the virus to others. What should you do during this period to keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy? We’ve compiled tips and advice from experts that will help you through this period. Let’s all stay strong and stay safe together!
https://www.sbcc.sg/staying-home-family-tips-covid-19
Best kids enrichment classes now online: STEM, arts, sports and more
Who would have imagined this is what "afterschool" would look like in 2020? But, we're grateful that many much-loved programmes are in fact moving ahead with virtual offerings that bring everything from soccer to piano lessons to robot building right to your living room. Using video conferencing, live streams, or watch-when-you-want videos, these online classes are hands-on and interactive, just like the real deal. To help you find the right fit for your family, we've put together a list of over 20 virtual classes from some of our partners. Make sure to click through for more details and some awesome deals.
https://mommypoppins.com/new-york-city-kids/classes-enrichment/virtual-online-kids-classes-coronavirus-quarantine
20+ (mostly free) online learning resources, apps, and games for kids
As Covid-19 shuttered one school after another in recent days, many parents found themselves taking on the new title of "homeschooler" practically overnight. Thankfully, technology has provided us with many ways to stay connected and engaged during this difficult time, including through online lesson plans for kids and other virtual learning opportunities, from museum tours to math and spelling apps to coding classes. Many online education sites are even waiving their fees during the crisis.
https://mommypoppins.com/kids/20-online-learning-resources-apps-and-games-for-kids
Coding programs for kids: Free and cheap websites that teach kids programming
Basic programming has become an essential skill for grown-ups and children alike, and the marketplace is full of coding programs for kids. The benefits of picking up this skill, especially for kids, are huge: Learning how to build simple websites and games helps kids refine their design, logic, and problem-solving abilities. It also allows them to express ideas and creativity in unique ways. There are several free and low-cost programs that teach children how to code. We've rounded up 13 of our favourite coding programs for kids below.
https://mommypoppins.com/coding-kids-free-websites-teach-learn-programming
The realistic guide to homeschooling for busy parents
For parents with children coming home during these coronavirus school closings, there is little time to prep mentally or physically for homeschooling. So let's have a real discussion about how you can make this work at your home where you might also be trying to complete work for your usual job, manage younger kids (and pets), and run a home and all that entails. I've been homeschooling my boys for 6 years, and I'm happy to share my homeschooling tips. Please also know that no one is expecting you to replace your student's teacher, nor to be homeschooling for a full school day. Let's figure out some realistic goals and tactics.
https://mommypoppins.com/kids/schools/homeschooling-for-busy-parents
Play based learning activities for children aged 3 to 10
With the temporary closure of schools and kindergartens, play based learning activities can help children to continue learning at home. This list of activities offers an opportunity for play, learning, creative expression and above all, nice and quality time spent between you and your children. The materials are a combination of UNICEF resources and activities that educators across the country have prepared for a national education web-platform developed as part of a UNICEF supported #Inno4Edu initiative “Setting up an environment for quality teaching and learning through co-creation and innovation”.
https://www.unicef.org/northmacedonia/play-based-learning-activities-children-aged-3-10
20 Awesome Activities to Keep Your Kids Active and Happy During School Holidays
Worried that the kids will be bouncing off the walls in sheer boredom during the school holidays? Or they’ll be glued to cartoons or playstations all summer? Here are some ways to keep them entertained, active and out of trouble. At very little or no expense.
https://www.thebetterindia.com/51439/children-activities-kids-happy-occupied-indoors-outdoors-summer-school-holidays
Home-based school holidays: Parents, here are some activities for the kids to enjoy
While everything outside might be closed, there’s still a whole bunch of fun activities to keep you and your kids entertained during the May school holidays – from dinosaurs to Disney and cooking shows to Crayola.
https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/school-holidays-activities-singapore-online-12693710
5 benefits of ERP for home based-learning during covid-19 pandemic
Home-based learning policy had run for several weeks since the Covid-19 outbreak emerged. It applied to all levels of education and the informal institution as well. There is a software known as ERP specifically designed for schools and can help schools manage the operation and learning process when students and teachers cannot be in the same room. It functions as a communication platform that enhances information and data sharing in real-time. Here are some of its benefits.
https://www.hashmicro.com/blog/5-benefits-of-erp-for-home-based-learning-during-covid-19-pandemic
Stay Home Lah! FB page
A team of NTU undergraduates with a strong passion for education and making learning fun has setup this FB initiative to meet the increasing need for online support in learning among youth. The FB page includes a compilation of online resources to help with revision and improving your learning, hobby activities and encouraging notes during this time of Covid-19.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education-Website/Stay-Home-LAH-100354715018287
8 homeschool tips and tricks for beginners
Now more than ever before, parents find themselves managing their children’s virtual and HBL. Despite the many benefits of homeschooling, HBL can be challenging for both parents and students. Here are 8 tips to organise your homeschool learning environment and keep everyone on track.
https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/8-homeschool-tips-and-tricks
Set up your child’s study space for productivity during home-based learning
With full HBL going on these days, it’s all the more important that your child’s study space is kept neat and organised for maximum productivity. After all, it’s been proven that a messy, cluttered environment causes stress and affects the way we work.
https://www.homeanddecor.com.sg/design/home-tips/set-up-your-childs-study-space-for-productivity-during-home-based-learning
7 tips for an effective home-based learning
We know HBL is not preferred and that it may be a struggle for some students and families. Our teachers are working hard to help overcome the challenges for each child and family. We recognise there are limitations and challenges for each home as we take the roles of remote students and supporting parents. We thought these tips may be useful as you tackle the current necessity of HBL.
https://sph.edu/blog/whatson/sph-home-based-learning-7-tips-for-an-effective-home-based-learning
Home based learning & working from home: Tricks to organise your space and time for kids and adults
We are all playing our part social distancing to fight the spread of Coronavirus but with the whole fam at home, how do you best organise your space and time so that kids can do HBL while parents work from home? Our regular contributor, professional organiser and time management coach Nathalie Ricaud from Get Organised and Beyond, tells us how to best get organised for both kids and adults.
https://www.sassymamasg.com/home-based-learning-working-organisation-tips/
6 tips for home-based learning
From setting up a conducive environment for HBL to maintaining continual assessment scores, many students, especially the undergraduates, must quickly overcome the hurdles of the digitalisation of education without affecting their yearly assessment. With this in mind, we have put together a list of suggestions that may help these students get used to remote learning more effectively.
https://www.valuechampion.sg/6-tips-home-based-learning
Coronavirus (Covid-19): List of online education resources for home education
These websites have been identified by some of the country’s leading educational experts and offer a wide range of support and resources for pupils of all ages. They may be useful for parents in considering how they could support their children’s education, but they should not be used in place of existing resources which schools may be using as part of their continued provision for pupils’ education at this time.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-online-education-resources-for-home-education#maths
Shake up learning: Blog and podcast
This website offers a blog and a podcast which provide educators with practical resources using today's technology. Each also covers topics such as working from home and other ways to facilitate HBL.
Blog: https://shakeuplearning.com/blog
Podcast: https://shakeuplearning.com/shake-up-learning-show-podcast-with-kasey-bell
Designing effective online assessments: Resource guide
This is resource guide was published by NUS on designing effective assessments online. Assessments are a crucial element in enhancing the overall quality of teaching and learning in higher education as they lead to some amount of student learning. A fundamental challenge lies in stimulating the right kind of learning. Therefore, it is important that assessment practices are designed to send the right signals to students in shaping the effectiveness of student learning – about what they should learn and how they should learn.
http://www.nus.edu.sg/cdtl/docs/default-source/professional-development-docs/resources/designing-online-assessments.pdf
Free post-HBL fun for kids and families
Joey Lim, Vice-President of Commercial, APAC at digital collaboration platform Lark has a solution. A seasoned remote worker, she suggests planning after-school activities keep your kids occupied. “There are tons of resources online to keep your child engaged once lessons are over. From learning about space to coding, and even conducting simple science experiments at home, these stimulating activities show learning can be fun,” the mum of three says. Good idea? Great idea! Here are some that we are making time for as we #stayhome during this circuit breaker period.
https://singaporemotherhood.com/articles/2020/04/free-hbl-fun-covid-activities-homebased-learning
MacMillan webinars on demand
Publisher MacMillan has a community which is focused on teaching, learning and connecting educators. The virtual learning resources include webinars and discussions that will help any teacher, and parent, with teaching learners.
https://community.macmillan.com/groups/webinars-on-demand/pages/welcome
BBC announces its online geography lessons will be taught by Sir David Attenborough
One of the problems caused by the Covid-19 lockdown is the homeschooling crisis. Since schools are now closed in the UK and a number of teachers and students have limited capacity for teaching and studies online, the British government, in collaboration with the BBC, has launched Bitesize Daily (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize), a set of virtual classes for students of all ages in hopes of helping parents with homeschooling. Among the incredible roster of teachers, Sir David Attenborough will be joining this initiative, and many Brits are rejoicing. (Requires access the UK region.)
https://www.boredpanda.com/sir-david-attenborough-teaching-bbc-bitesize-daily/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=BPFacebook
Home-based activity resources
ECDA has gathered HBL activities and resources designed by preschools to share with parents every Monday. These materials are designed specifically for infants to K2 children. The activities come with clear instructions on what to do so you can easily carry them out at home. Pick and choose what you think is suitable for your child, according to their age.
https://www.ecda.gov.sg/growatbeanstalk/Pages/Home-Based%20Learning/Home-Based-Learning.aspx
Education on the home front: How to keep young children learning in the early days of Covid-19
With 40 US states now closing public schools to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus, parents have had little to no time to plan for keeping their children at home 24/7. Suddenly, and in some cases overnight, families are figuring out how to live, learn and work – together and separately – all under one roof. Many parents who haven’t yet heard from their children’s schools about alternatives to classroom instruction may be wondering if they also need to take on the role of an at-home substitute teacher.
https://www.wcer.wisc.edu/news/detail/education-on-the-home-front
NIE Video Portal: The one-stop repository for all your teaching needs! (YouTube videos)
Have you ever tried to search for video tutorials online only to be swamped with the immense amount of video resources? Our NIE Video Portal is the solution for you! It is a one-stop repository customised for NIE faculty members so that they can create teaching videos easily. In this portal, you can trim your videos using the built-in editor, sync PowerPoint slides to your videos, create quizzes for formative and summative assessments and there are even other features to choose from!
https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?e=[UNIQID]&u=38e0ad4260f1bfe3a8a5bdd17&id=bc53209ede
An Interview with Mrs Chua-Lim Yen Ching
Teaching from home is not easy, whether alone, with children or with family members. It requires different skill sets and mindsets, says Mrs Chua-Lim Yen Ching, former school principal and currently Deputy Director-General of Education (Professional Development) at MOE and Executive Director of the Academy of Singapore Teachers overseeing the professional development of our educators. She speaks to a teacher in this video interview and shares how teachers are also learning to teach from home – and how we can all do our part to support and encourage them.
https://www.facebook.com/6788957003/posts/10159533251112004/?vh=e&d=n
New at-home language activity booklet for young children available online
WIDA Early Years is making a new booklet, “Learning Language Every Day: Activities for Families", available free online in English and Español to help children keep learning at home during the Covid-19 outbreak. The booklet can be downloaded for printing and sharing.
https://www.wcer.wisc.edu/news/detail/new-at-home-language-activity-booklet-for-young-children-available-online
Updated: Free resources for schools during Covid-19 outbreak
In response to the number of states, districts and schools that are shuttering schools to students over the next several weeks in response to fears about the Novel Coronavirus, education technology companies have stepped forward to help educators reach students in virtual ways. In many cases, the companies are making their paid services free through the rest of the school year; in other cases, they're lifting limits to services and/or adding premium features to what's free. The following list will be updated regularly as announcements are made.
https://thejournal.com/articles/2020/03/13/free-resources-ed-tech-companies-step-up-during-coronavirus-outbreak.aspx
Resources: Learning in the time of Covid-19
During the Covid-19 crisis, millions of children who are homeless and food insecure can't access essential services or learning. Here are lists of useful resources for teachers and parents, including some for English Learners and students with exceptional needs. We will be updating this list with additional resources as we learn more about this shifting situation. This list was originally posted in a Forbes commentary by LPI President Linda Darling-Hammond.
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/issue/covid-19-resources
Office of Education Research, NIE NTU – Parenting tips during home-based learning
This is a series on parenting tips during HBL, brought to you by the Office of Education Research, NIE NTU, Singapore. First up, we have Dr Victor Lim Fei who shares with us five tips on helping children cope with HBL!
https://www.facebook.com/956153501089872/posts/3025448180827050/?vh=e&d=n
Five tips for moving teaching online as Covid-19 takes hold
Universities are closing worldwide, forcing instructors to turn to remote teaching. Here’s some expert advice on how to embrace the digital classroom.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00896-7
MOE’s Parent Kit
This MOE website gathers useful articles in the Parent Kit to help parents and students during this time of HBL.
https://www.moe.gov.sg/parentkit
How teachers can talk to children about coronavirus disease (Covid-19)
As people around the world are taking precautions to protect themselves, their families and their communities from coronavirus disease (Covid-19) it’s also important that children can continue to learn, and that they can do so in an environment that is welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and supportive to all. Here are tips for having age appropriate discussions to reassure and protect children.
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teachers-can-talk-children-about-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
8 ways to be more inclusive in your Zoom teaching
As you lead a class discussion or a meeting on Zoom, it’s all too easy to lose people in the process. But the principles of inclusive teaching can help you reach students in a virtual classroom, just as in a physical one. Here are eight suggestions to help you keep inclusiveness in mind along the way.
https://www.chronicle.com/article/8-Ways-to-Be-More-Inclusive-in/248460
askST: How will teachers monitor students' home-based learning progress?
While most students should have experienced HBL before, they have never had to do it continuously for four weeks, until now. It is a new experience that will require parents, students and teachers to adjust to new routines and teach and learn in different ways. Find out how teachers are keeping track of the progress of young learners.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/askst-how-will-teachers-monitor-students-home-based-learning-progress?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=STFB&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1587038746
Scholastic learn at home
Scholastic provides tips and resources for day-by-day projects to keep children reading, thinking and growing.
https://highachieverstraining.com.sg/life-skills/ensure-your-teacher-student-relationships-outlast-the-coronavirus
Dyson’s 44 experiments will teach your kids engineering, and they’re free
Courtesy of the James Dyson Foundation and Dyson engineers, you can download a free set of 44 engineering and science experiments, all of which demonstrate basic principles of science and physics, and are buildable with common household items including balloons, plastic bottles, dish soap, and eggs.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90486163/dysons-44-experiments-will-teach-your-kids-engineering-and-theyre-free
(https://www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk/resources/challenge-cards.html)
The ultimate guide to prepping your kids for home-based learning
HBL has been rolled out at all primary and secondary schools, junior colleges and the centralised institute from April 1 as part of additional efforts to support safe distancing. It was supposed to be put in place for only one-day per week for all Primary, Secondary and Junior College students respectively. Unsure about how HBL will affect your child? Here are some common myths and prepping tips to consider.
https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/family/parenting/ultimate-guide-home-based-learning-for-kids
Home-based learning series – Create amazing HBL videos with iPad
This video will help educators prepare amazing HBL resources from your existing slides: (1) seamlessly transfer your slides from a computer or cloud-based drive to iPad, (2) enhance your slides with engaging animation from Keynote on the iPad, (3) use built-in screen recording on the iPad to capture your presentation with your voice and annotation, and (4) share your presentation to your students on SLS or other learning management systems.
https://www.ipadforlearning.sg/post/home-based-learning-series-create-amazing-hbl-videos-with-ipad
Ensure your teacher–student relationships outlast the coronavirus
Teachers were surprised and forced to be creative when HBL was announced. They had to adopt new and different technologies, methodologies, and pedagogies, all of which will change the way they teach forever. The HEART strategy provides a framework that answers these problems. Providing teachers with a way to connect and care for their students, while delivering the content and teaching they need to.
https://highachieverstraining.com.sg/life-skills/ensure-your-teacher-student-relationships-outlast-the-coronavirus
Coronavirus: 7 ways to thrive under home-based learning
Tearing your hair out over HBL? Fret not. Here are some suggestions from academic and parenting experts, who advise thinking out of the box and letting the teachers get on with their job, albeit remotely, while schools are closed.
https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/7-ways-to-thrive-under-home-based-learning
askST: How can you make the most of home-based learning?
How can you make the most of HBL? Senior Education Correspondent Sandra Davie offers some practical advice.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/ways-to-chalk-up-gains-from-home-based-learning?xtor=CS3-18&utm_source=STiPhone&utm_medium=share&utm_term=2020-04-11%2011%3A04%3A23
Resources for Teaching Online due to School Closures
Our guide will give you insights into how educators around the world are approaching school closures. Thousands of teachers worldwide are currently sharing snippets of their experiences via social media or their blogs. We’ve compiled, curated, and built on some common themes and ideas to create this extensive guide.
https://www.theedublogger.com/teaching-online-school-closures
Stay connected and learn together with video meetings!
NIE’s IN-Learning has provided an FAQ and tips to conduct online classes (synchronously and asynchronously).
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2983002085071660&id=956153501089872
Classroomscreen
This digiboard widget is a free and simple tool that helps students focus more on their work. It was developed by Mr Laurens Koppers, who is a teacher in the Netherlands and could not find such a tool that combines everything he wanted, so he decided to make one himself.
https://classroomscreen.com/
These Singapore mums create home learning activities for their kids: Here’s how they do it
Home-learning parents also say they enjoy the process of planning the activities, as well as doing the activities with their children. Here are some families who actively engage in home learning.
https://www.youngparents.com.sg/education/these-singapore-mums-create-home-learning-activities-for-their-kids-heres-how-they-do-it
Video Clinic by NIE IN-Learning
A resource page hosted on Google Sites to guide Faculty staff on the quick creation of videos for Online Lessons.
https://sites.google.com/g.nie.edu.sg/video-clinic/home
Home-based Learning Support Group
FB group of teachers who support each other with relevant posts during Covid-19.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HBLSG/permalink/241669316985931/
How to Utilise Twinkl during the Coronavirus Shutdown: A Guide for Schools
Twinkl put together a simple, step-by-step guide about this offer of help, for teachers and schools to use. This guide is not designed to supercede or replace any official guidance, but is intended to advise on using the Twinkl website during this period.
https://www.twinkl.com.sg/blog/how-to-utilise-twinkl-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown-a-guide-for-schools
Free Online Learning Resources For Schools Affected by Coronavirus/COVID-19
Tech & Learning editors curate hundreds of free elearning resources for schools worldwide, especially those affected by Covid-19 closures.
https://www.techlearning.com/resources/free-online-learning-resources-for-schools-affected-by-coronaviruscovid-19
Rapid Transition to Online Learning
RTOL is a free emergency roadmap for making a rapid transition to remote learning during forced school closures. This quick-start guide will walk you through a simplified step-by-step process to maintain your continuity of teaching and learning in a crisis.
http://aalasinternational.org/rtol/
Learning from home in a school setting
Victoria State Government's Education and Training department provides advice to schools about how they can support learning continuity for children and young people during disruption caused by Covid-19.
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/Pages/coronavirus-home-learning.aspx
What Works in Online/Distance Teaching and Learning?
This Spotlight by the Australian Insitute for Teaching and School Leadership identifies best practice evidence to guide teachers on setting up online learning and advice teachers can give to parents during this process. Key consideration is given to principles demonstrated to benefit student outcomes and wellbeing. As such, this Spotlight is written from the perspective of teachers.
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/research/spotlight/what-works-in-online-distance-teaching-and-learning
Distance learning solutions
UNESCO curated a list of educational applications, platforms and resources to help parents, teachers, schools and school administrators facilitate student learning and provide psychosocial support during periods of school closure.
https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/solutions
Coronavirus: 14 simple tips for better online teaching
Here are 14 quick tips to make online teaching better, from an expert in online learning.
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-14-simple-tips-for-better-online-teaching-133573
How to Be a Better Online Teacher
ADVICE GUIDE
What you will find here is advice on how to make your online pedagogy as effective and satisfying as the in-person version, including: 10 essential principles and practices of better online teaching, common misperceptions, and how to find help.
https://www.chronicle.com/interactives/advice-online-teaching#
Find the learning in any game
Educational games for the classroom have been around a long time. But these aren't the only games teachers and students can use in school. Popular, entertainment-focused games also can drive deep learning. But what's the best way to use the games kids already play at home in your classroom? Here you'll find practical tips on how to harness the learning value in any game, including those you might not expect to see in school.
https://www.commonsense.org/education/teaching-strategies/find-the-learning-in-any-game
Online learning, teaching and education continuity planning for schools
The guidance here is intended for staff supporting schools that are facing closures and quarantines due to the Covid-19 outbreak. It contains suggestions and guidelines for online and blended learning, with further suggestions for free apps and solutions for schools that may not have online or mobile solutions in place at the time of closing.
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/news-assets/coronavirus/online-learning-continuity-planning-en.pdf
4 Tips for Teachers Shifting to Teaching Online
An educator with experience in distance learning shares what he’s learnt: Keep it simple, and build in as much contact as possible.
https://www.edutopia.org/article/4-tips-supporting-learning-home
225+ Amazing Online Learning Resources
This growing list of online learning resources offers a wealth of resources for all ages of students, parents, and teachers. And to make it better, many companies are choosing to make their products free for schools, teachers, and students during these turbulent times.
https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/
Altitude Learning: A Guide to Distance Learning
This toolkit by Altitute Learning provides a guide to support your community as you consider virtual instruction, asynchronous learning experiences, and remote learning options.
https://info.altitudelearning.com/hubfs/Partner%20Success%20Resources/Guide%20to%20Distance%20Learning.pdf
PD Online
ASCD’s award-winning PD Online® courses are interactive, in-depth, and self-paced online professional development courses for educators. Designed for individual or group use, PD Online courses clearly connect course materials to real-world practice. And our courses are mobile-friendly, so PD Online makes it easy and practical to continue your professional learning anytime and anywhere.
http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/pd-online.aspx
Course: Learning to Teach Online
This course will guide you through your journey of understanding how online technologies can enhance your course design. You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of effective online teaching practices and their relationship to the use of different technologies. You will also be encouraged to progressively design and reflect upon your own online learning activity, assessment or resource for use in your own class if you choose to undertake the course assignments.
https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-online
Teachers, parents can tap free content from The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao
From next week, teachers can opt to receive complimentary electronic copies of IN, The Straits Times' publication for secondary school students, and Little Red Dot, for primary school pupils. They will also receive a package of 25 standalone, ready-to-use lessons based on news articles in PDF format. Interested schools or teachers can sign up to receive the English language content by contacting Mr David Tan at davtan@sph.com.sg or Miss Chong Xin Wei at cxinwei@sph.com.sg. Parents and teachers can contact Miss Tyu Ke Wei at tkewei@sph.com.sg for the Chinese language.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/teachers-parents-can-tap-free-content-from-the-straits-times-lianhe-zaobao
Use Snapask app to enhance learning at home
A mobile app that connects students doing home-based learning with tutors will enhance learning through a free subscription in partnership with SPH. The Snapask application, which offers tutoring on demand for students studying at home, will now also provide specially curated news content from The Straits Times. The service from the Asia-based edutech firm is open for the first 1,000 students to sign up for free by next Wednesday (15 April 2020). A total of more than 10,000 free subscriptions will be available, with sign-ups for the rest to take place later. Snapask will also work with ST's award-winning Schools team of teaching experts and editors to curate articles and co-create news content. Students can sign up at https://start.snapask.com/st. If they are already using Snapask, they can go to the Home Based Learning tab on the site to sign up.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/use-snapask-app-to-enhance-learning-at-home
All abstracts were taken from the source material and slightly edited.